Spotlight Magazines Spotlight on West Bridgford Nottingham July 2015 | Page 18

Spotlight Magazine Tattoos Tattoos are on the increase. The number of studios has doubled in the last ten years and 29% of Brits aged 16-44 now boast an inking. So with over 1,500 studios to choose from, how do you decide? First thing to do is choose an artist whose artistic style and ability match your expectations. Be sure to look through their portfolio and check on the quality and consistency of their work. Do you like their designs? Are the lines steady, the shading smooth and the colours solid? According to a 2003 study, 75% of people who get tattoos go on to regret it, so it’s important to do some serious homework before making that all important decision. After all, tattoos are very difficult, painful and expensive to remove! 18 Safety comes next. Make sure the studio and the tattoo artist are both registered with the local council. This is a legal requirement and they should have certificates proving their status. Certification assures certain basic standards of cleanliness and hygiene of premises, equipment and the individual performing the work. Check there is a current Health and Safety Certificate on display and that the artist wears gloves and uses new needles for each customer. Follow these simple guidelines and you should maximise your chances of a safe and successful inking experience! By Debbie Singh-Bhatti www.spotlightlocal.co.uk • 0115 822 4995 • [email protected]